May 27, 2007

Comedy coup makes for a funny Festival

All six Harry Potter books in 60 minutes? Top comedians on their way to the Edinburgh Festival? Or cheeky Shep Woolley?

Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, which opens next month, is offering a trio of comedy events that promise to tickle ribs and exercise those funny bones.

On July 4 at the Trades Club, Stephen Carlin and Robin Ince present an evening of hilarious stand-up. And Hebden Bridge gets them before the Edinburgh Festival!

Stephen has already supported the likes of Stewart Lee on his national tour, and is being tipped for the very top. His latest show focuses on the heroes and villains in his life. will continue to cement his reputation as one of the most original comic voices around. Multi-award winning Robin Ince (BBC2's Mock The Week, Never Mind The Buzzcocks; Radio 4's The Personality Test, and BBC7's Serious About Comedy) comes direct from touring with Ricky Gervais on the fastest-selling British comedy tour ever. His show takes in themes of learning, culture, otters and the Daily Mail.

Want to get your muggles chuckling? On July 15, Dan and Jeff present Potted Potter – the Unauthorised Harry Experience in two performances at the Little Theatre in Hebden Bridge.

The comic storytelling duo attempt the ultimate challenge of taking the audience through all six books in just 60 minutes. This brilliantly funny show had sell-out seasons in Edinburgh and London and first national tour is a must-see for Potter addicts – and a great introduction to the series for anyone who’s ever wondered what all the fuss is about.

Shep Woolley is a singer who tells funny stories, or a stand-up comedian who's equally at home singing a folk song or belting out Drift Away. A fantastic singer-songwriter and an entertainer from the Jasper Carrott/Billy Connolly school of observational humour. Occasionally cheeky but never offensive, he's a master of the one-liner. He appears at the Trades Club on the night of July 15.

Postal bookings opened on Monday, May 14 and programmes are available at libraries, tourist information centres other public venues, plus countless cafes, shops and pubs.